Chapter 51: Aolis

I hadn’t meant what I’d said to Lily. Lorelai’s words had been in my head, calling her a child, and they had spilled out when Lily stood up to me. There was nothing about Lily that was a child in my eyes. There had been, for a long time, but now, all I could see was my mate. My beautiful, mature mate, who I must protect with everything I am, my life, if needed.

I’d had a moment of absolute pride in my mate. No one has ever stood up to my anger like that, and she didn’t show an ounce of fear. It had taken everything in me not to pull her in my arms and kiss her with with the passion I feel for her. But that would have encouraged her to stay with me, and I couldn’t have that.

Then when she smacked me, she nearly knocked me off my feet. I’ve never felt that kind of strength before either. She’s right, I’m not giving her credit for being as strong as she is. But it’s more than that. My fear that Lorelai had actually killed her, had made me lose control of myself. Worse, I’d lost control